Paris, Tenn.–The Paris Utility Authority and the Historic Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Association (HAPNA) have partnered on a Christmas outing that the entire community will enjoy. The neighborhood’s Fourth Annual Gift of Light runs nightly through Friday, January 1, 2021.
“We are so happy to once again partner with HAPNA for this traditional event. These neighbors have done a tremendous job,” said Paris Utility Authority CEO Terry Wimberley.
HAPNA President Rachel Terrell invited the community to drive or stroll through the historic neighborhood and “get in the Christmas spirit. One light display leads to the next; that’s how many families have decorated this year. And by all means, visit the display at the neighborhood’s botanical garden at 311 Jackson.”
Terrell said there is something for everyone in the neighborhood from traditional lighted decorations to blow up characters that youngsters will recognize and love. “The award winner for Best Yard even plays music,” she said.
Seven award winners were chosen by out-of-town judges, and trophies were presented over the weekend by Wimberley, Paris Utility Authority Marketing Director Meagan Hart, Terrell and a host of HAPNA neighbors.
The group delivering awards surprised first-time winners Chris and Jessica Berry of 811 East Blythe Street. The couple, who won BEST YARD with a beautiful array of lights, blow ups and a lighted Eiffel Tower and music said the neighborhood contest prompted them to start decorating. Their favorite response to their work was when their daughter looked at the festive yard and displays and said, “I’m so proud to live here.’”
The BEST PORCH award was presented to John and Leigh Watkins of 509 Dunlap Street. “We have never seen anything like this. An illuminated waterfall pours off the porch and is surrounded by the green hills. You have to see it in person,” said one judge, who added that there are lots of festive houses on Dunlap that will make your Christmas outing worthwhile.
Another first-time winner was the BEST RELIGIOUS DECORATION at 308 South Lake Street. “That star so far up in the sky looking over the manger was very moving,” said the judges. Jim and Ginger Eichler enjoy decorating with their star, deer and other lighted décor each Christmas.
Chris and Shannon Hopper of 337 Edgewood Street took the BEST HOUSE AWARD with colorful lights and displays that literally cover the house and yard. The couple laughed that last year they forgot to turn on their lights judging night, but not this year!
With several new additions to their displays, Heather and James Painter picked up the CLARK GRISWOLD AWARD. No strangers to this event, the Painters have added new Christmas trees, a blowup bear in a vintage pickup and a porch shelf filled with nativity scenes.
“Someone asked me why I put the nativities outside, and I told them that that’s where people can see them,” said Heather. The Painters have influenced their across the street neighbors, others on nearby streets who also have begun putting up lights.
With an array of many new brightly lit homes to its credit, Walnut was named MOST APPEALING STREET for the second year in row. The judges said they were impressed with every street in the neighborhood. “Even those that had just a few strands were beautiful, however, Walnut had lights from the beginning to the end of the street.
Illuminating their home and yard from top to bottom, the Price family of 422 Whitehall Circle was the JUDGES’ FAVORITE. “We appreciated how lovely and well thought out it was. Clearly, this family has decorated for Christmas a time or two” quipped one judge.
“Take your time seeing this entire neighborhood,” they added. “In fact, if you have time, park at the AP Rec Center and stroll around. It’s a nice way to spend a holiday evening.” The neighborhood is bordered by Veterans Drive/South Market Street, East Wood Street and Tyson Avenue. Members of the HAPNA Board of Directors were ineligible to win.
2020 Historic Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Association Christmas Lighting Contest winning addresses:
BEST PORCH – 509 Dunlap Street
BEST YARD – 811 Blythe Street
BEST HOUSE – 337 Edgewood Street
BEST RELIGIOUS DECORATIONS – 308 S. Lake Street
CLARK GRISWOLD AWARD – 206 Blakemore
MOST APPEALING STREET – Walnut Street
JUDGES’ FAVORITE – 422 Whitehall Circle
The neighborhood association also reminds Christmas light enthusiasts to visit LightUpParisTN.com to view lighting displays throughout the county. Many of the HAPNA entries also will be listed in the Chamber’s contest.
Photo: With several new additions to their display, Heather and James Painter of 206 Blakemore Street won the CLARK GRISWOLD AWARD in the annual Historic Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Lighting Contest. (Pat Terrell photo).